Geisinger Bariatric Testimonials
Frank Rubenstein
Bloomsburg, PA
Shortness of breath, sleep apnea, and diabetes were just a few of the medical conditions that Frank Rubenstein was battling due to his weight. After Frank began taking medication to help control his diabetes, it hit him; “I need to do something to help myself, before it’s too late.”
Frank’s weight was the major cause of his health problems. At 49 years old and a weight of 320 pounds, he decided it was time for a drastic change.
After many unsuccessful attempts at dieting, Frank decided to look into bariatric surgery. He knew surgery was a serious risk, but he felt it was his only option if he wanted to get his life back. Frank made an appointment at Geisinger’s Center for Nutrition and Weight Management and eventually decided to have surgery.
As of today Frank weighs 168 pounds and is still losing weight. He has lost a total of 152 pounds and is back to performing regular activities with his family. “I’m able to take walks and play with my kids, and I feel great.” Since the surgery and losing all the weight, Frank is happy to report that his other medical conditions have improved tremendously.
Maritza Santiago
Williamsport, PA
Maritza Santiago is a 50-year-old on the go. After having bariatric surgery, she now has the energy to keep up with her grandchildren. Maritza feels good about herself when she puts on a pair of jeans and goes out dancing. She is currently employed as a caseworker and is considering a new career in the corrections field.
A few years ago, this same woman felt that her world was shrinking down to her apartment’s four walls. Maritza was carrying nearly 300 pounds on her five-foot, seven-inch frame. She didn’t like to walk, couldn’t throw a ball, or play with the kids. She couldn’t even fit into a seat at the movies. On top of this, Maritza developed sleep apnea, lower back pain, arthritis, high blood pressure, swelling, rashes, and depression.
Finally, she said, “I had to do something or I was going to die of a heart attack.” She hit the Internet and began researching bariatric surgery. Her research took her to Geisinger’s Center for Nutrition and Weight Management, where she eventually underwent minimally invasive, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. Laparoscopic procedures leave only minimal scarring.
Two years after her surgery, Maritza has lost nearly 100 pounds and is still working toward a goal weight between 160 and 170 pounds – something she plans to do “peacefully and slowly, without a mental struggle.” Most importantly, she feels great. “I feel like a million dollars,” she said.
Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Thurick
Elysburg, PA
Like many people who struggle with their weight, Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Thurick dieted all her life. She’d lose some weight, and then gain it back. Nothing worked.
When she reached her 50s, the excess pounds began affecting her health in frightening ways. The Elysburg woman was taking medication for diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Betty Ann wanted to take control of her health. She began walking and eating healthier, but the weight didn’t budge. She mentioned gastric bypass to her doctor, who responded, “Well, you are a candidate.” Five feet tall, Betty Ann weighed 224 pounds. “At five feet tall, 224 looked like 444,” she recalled.
In November 2003, she made her first appointment at Geisinger’s Center for Nutrition and Weight Management. For the next several months, she went to meetings, started a new diet, and went through psychological evaluations. Finally, in October 2004, Betty Ann underwent gastric bypass surgery.
Now, a year and a half after her surgery, she is 122 pounds and wearing a size 6, down from a 24. Before her surgery she was so tired after work she hardly knew if she could make it home. Today, she has so much energy that she hates to go to bed at night. The only medications she takes are a Flintstones vitamin and a calcium pill. Her diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol are now all under control.
For more information about Geisinger’s nationally recognized program, please e-mail us today or call 1-800-275-6401 and ask for bariatric surgery.
